This article comes on Day 24 of our special Altmuslim/Patheos Muslim Ramadan #30Days30Writers blog project, in which we are showcasing the voices of 30 Muslim leaders, activists, scholars, writers, youth and more (one on each day of Ramadan) as part of our commitment to own our own narratives and show how we are one Ummah, many voices. To demonstrate how our Ramadan experiences are shared yet unique to each of us.

By Precious Rasheeda Muhammad

PART ONE: A GLIMPSE OF BEFORE

It was nine days before the first of Ramadan 1277, or Tuesday, March 4, 1861, in the Gregorian calendar, Inauguration Day for Abraham Lincoln. Tension clung tightly to everything in Washington, like Spanish moss on Southern Live Oaks. Many did not think the president-elect would make it through the day alive. After all, the newly created Confederate States of America had made absolutely clear its fierce resolve to protect the rights of slave states.

Lincoln, looking like a Colossus with a colossal weight on his shoulders, stood on the east portico steps of the U.S. Capitol and promised that he would do nothing to obstruct the institution of slavery.

“I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so,” he proclaimed.

These inaugural address utterances scraped bloody raw the sensibilities of many abolitionists.

Frederick Douglass, full of despair for the “down-trodden” and “heart-broken” slaves, furiously wrote that Lincoln used his address to avow “himself ready to catch [the slaves] if they run away, to shoot them down if they rise against their oppressors, and to prohibit the Federal Government irrevocably from interfering for their deliverance.”

In a damning critique, newspaper editor Edmund Quincy, son of an erstwhile Harvard University president, accused the new commander in chief of giving his address “face turned toward the South and with both knees bowed down before the idol it worships.”

The idol, of course, being slavery.

South Carolina had seceded from the Union first, in December, just a little over a month after Lincoln won the presidency. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana had followed in tandem in January, and in that order. Texas had made its dramatic exit, alone, in February.

And now it was March, and one could only wonder if the temporarily dome-less lawmaking institution directly behind Lincoln, during his address, with its scaffolding and construction cranes still in plain view, towering against the sky, relayed a symbolic message to at least some in the crowd of 25,000 onlookers, a message that those with moral courage in the face of injustice could understand, a message about mindless behavior in matters of law and unfinished business on freedom.

If visitors from the future had been there that day, well…they might have said that the message felt a lot like 2014 in some regards.

But symbolism is duplicitous.

One can never really know.

A little over a week later Ramadan began for observant Muslims among the slave population in the United States, and a day after it ended, around the time that those same African Muslims enslaved in America would have been rising for the dawn prayer, looking forward to celebrating the completion of the blessed month of daily fasting in any humble way they could, given their dire circumstances as captives, artillery shots rang out in South Carolina and did not stop for 34 hours straight. The Civil War had begun. The nation would never be the same.

PART TWO: A LYRICAL SNIPPET OF AFTER

It is Ramadan 2014.

Beyond the to be expected photos of juicy, plump dates, hands arching toward them; parched people breaking fast, as the sun reclines in the West; and tightly formed lines of exhausted believers praying, shoulder-to-shoulder, toe-to-toe, a more richly-hued illustration of Ramadan-in-progress is going largely uncovered.

Message heard this Ramadan at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam interfaith iftar: “We can know a good in common that we cannot know alone.” (Photo courtesy of Nassar Madyun.)

This boundless, behind the scenes portrait tells the story of what else Islam’s holiest month looks like this year for American Muslims.

And what else does it look like?

It looks, quite simply, like life, beauteous life in action, in all its ebbs and flows, in all of its vulnerability and strength, in all its sorrows and elation.

But what about the enslaved Africans who were the first Muslims to openly practice their faith on these shores, as far back as the American Civil War, as far back as the War of 1812, as far back as the American Revolutionary War, and even farther back than that?

Where are the diasporic progeny of these historic peoples?

How do they fit into this picture of American Muslims in Ramadan 2014?

The beautiful African diaspora among American Muslims are everywhere, moving about freely in this country.

Look around, look around, whoever you are, wherever you are.

They are diverse in Islamic schools of thought and understandings, backgrounds and political leanings, hopes and dreams.

Children gather and play a few moments before sunset as their parents head out to break fast at the Islamic Center for Human Excellence in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of Shahidah Sharif.)

They self-identify in a number of ways: African and (or Black and) … American, Latino, Arab, Asian, etc. Some have no desire to add an “and” anywhere. Some proudly call themselves “New African.”

Indeed, they are a new people and a very old people, too, sharing in common an ancestral connection, through the diaspora, to the Africans forcefully brought to this land, and, by extension, to the Muslims who were among them.

Do you see them?

Look closely, look closely, whoever you are, from wherever you are.

You will find your own humanity reflected back, if you look closely.

We are one human family.

Let’s get to know each other better.

PART THREE: THE SPIRITUAL ADAM, RAMADAN 2014: STILL HERE

“I’ve been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between ‘em they done Tried to make me Stop laughin’, stop lovin’, stop livin’– But I don’t care! I’m still here!”

— Langston Hughes

California

Their annual mission: Humanitarian Day. Their action: provide people in critical need with free health screenings and referral services, hygiene and back to school kits, food, blankets, new clothing, toys, specialty items, and much more. Their vision: “Convert One Day Into A Life Mission.”

The Humanitarian Day security team, led by Naim Shah Sr., planning and reviewing security logistics for the event. Their motto: “Security is Prevention, Guarding Dignity and Providing Care with a Smile.”

Oklahoma and Michigan

Some—young and old, male and female, in the East, West, North, and South—reached across faiths and communities in joint efforts for peace and justice.

Three-year-old Muslim twins raising a sign in support of a “Free Palestine.” They, along with people of other faiths, and their mother, a pediatrician, participated in the Oklahomans for Peace in Palestine rally on July 18.

Dawud Walid (right) at a July 13 rally in Detroit. Over 1000 people of diverse backgrounds, religions, races, and ethnicities showed up to protest water shut-offs by the Detroit Water and Sewage Department and the ongoing Israeli Military operation in Gaza. The water shut-offs in Detroit are negatively impacting tens of thousands of the city’s residents. The military operation in Gaza is negatively impacting over 100,000 Palestinians and has already resulted in scores of innocent civilians being killed.

National

From the Zaytuna College website:“Beginning this Ramadan, Imam Zaid Shakir will embark on a year-long journey, stopping at your mosques, schools, community centers, and homes across the United States, as part of an unprecedented effort: To enlist 12,000 believers to strengthen and sustain Zaytuna College with consistent monthly gifts.”

Imam Zaid Shakir being interviewed at Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, one of his stops on the historic 12,000 Miles for 12,000 Strong journey.(Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition.)

New York

Some recycled their dollars within their communities, celebrating, with love and respect, the diverse cultures and ethnicities that are part of their diaspora.

Like these beautiful sisters—a scholar; a humanitarian; an artist,who designs with a purpose and conscience; and a living legend—did at the 43rd Annual International African Arts Festival.

Beautiful Muslim women at the 43rd Annual International African Arts Festival. But they missed out—obviously and more than willingly—on all the delectable culinary delights!From left to right: Dr. Suad Abdul Khabeer (scholar), Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur (humanitarian, Director at African Leaders Malaria Alliance, New York), Anika Sabree (artist) and Sis. Amina Amatul-Haqq (mother of the scholar, living legend, former Black Panther, retired New York City Public School teacher, and community builder).

Some were generous with their hospitality, and that is a form of beautiful charity, too, especially in such a physically and spiritually challenging month!

This educator’s sister honored her with overwhelming hospitality in this blessed month—hospitality from one Muslim to another, from one sister to another, from one American to another, from one New Yorker to another.

Deputy Principal Majida J. Abdul Karim returns to her beloved Brooklyn after a long, international journey.

When Deputy Principal Majida J. Abdul-Karim arrived back in the United States after flights from the UAE to London, then from London to NYC, she found this beautiful space waiting for her, all put together by one of her beloved sisters. Even the artwork and photography are from her sister. What a wonderful Ramadan treat!

Illinois and Texas

Some brothers volunteered their time helping boys grow into exceptional young men, young men who will contribute tirelessly to humanity one day, Insha’Allah.

Some sisters never stopped loving and giving to their local communities, and they did it with a smile.

Dr. Aisha El-Amin (sunglasses on top of scarf, center, back):“Every Saturday, along with Bridging the Gap (webridgethegap.org), we give lunch to the community. However, during the winter community members in need asked for hats and coats. After a coat drive, we provided them and the response and gratitude was overwhelming! This continued and has evolved into a clothing giveaway, which is done alongside the food giveaway, each week during the month of Ramadan and every other week the rest of the year. All the donations from both programs come from the believers.”(This photo includes members and friends of DePaul Umma, Chicago’s Masjid Al-Taqwa and Bridging the Gap)

Tennessee and Georgia

Some labored hard to nourish the mind and spirit.

3rd Annual Ramadan Session, Masjid Al-Mu’minun in Memphis, Tennessee. A participant reviews session notes from Imam Muhammad Ameen, one of the speakers. Title of Imam Ameen’s session: “The Worst oppression is False Worship.” The imam always writes out everything, he never types. (Photo courtesy of April Abdul-BaaQee.)

3rd Annual Ramadan Session, Masjid Al-Mu’minun in Memphis, Tennessee. Imam Wali Shaheed, another speaker, wanted to do more than just give a lecture for his presentation. So he came up with an Islamic Family feud game. There were 3 brothers on one side and 3 sisters on the other. (Photo courtesy of April Abdul-BaaQee.)

2nd Annual Sisters Ramadan session, Masjid Al-Mu’minun in Memphis, Tennessee. Sister Aneesah Dawan shared this with the sisters:“If you don’t Expand when a burden is placed on you it will crush you. Allah gives us the power to Expand our mind with understanding.”(Photo courtesy of April Abdul-BaaQee.)

Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam: A children’s class on the Blessings of Ramadan and importance of giving charity, taught by Shahidah Sharif. Children, ages 3-5, paint their own charity, or “jariyah” jars, to collect and give to others in need. (Photo courtesy of Nassar Madyun.)

Ayisha Abdul Salaam, a mathematics teacher, taking her children to attend Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam’s children’s class on the Blessings of Ramadan. (Photo courtesy of Nassar Madyun.)

As Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was first revealed, students gather every evening at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam to study various subjects relating to the Qur’an, such as Arabic, History of the Qur’an, Purification of the soul, and Qur’anic exegesis. (Photo courtesy of Nassar Madyun.)

Maryland and Massachusetts

Some of the youth got more in touch with the beauty of nature and healthy living, fortunate for the loving support of their elders in these efforts.

Chesapeake Bay – Downs Memorial Park: Ihsaan Fanusie, age 12, upon arrival at boating camp. Photo taken by his father, who dropped him off there.(Photo courtesy of Yaya Jata Fanusie.)

Amiyr, age 10, with his grandmother, after participating in the New England Kids Triathlon. It took place at the MIT Athletic Center and surrounding areas along the campus.

Amiyr, age 10, during a hands-on marine science field trip organized by his mother, Shahidah Ahmad, who is an educator and founder of D.E.E.D.S. (Developing enriching Educational Experiences through our Dedication to Service). This is one of D.E.E.D.S.’ many projects this summer, engaging students at different age levels to use scientific reasoning, data collection tools and their common senses to interact with the special habitat of the rocky shores. This photo captures Amiyr looking at tidal pools along the rocky shore of Nahant, Massachusetts, the side closest to Northeastern’s Marine Science Center. Many Muslim families participated. One Muslim sister said, as she was leaving, “I almost didn’t feel the heat until the very end of the trip, it made my fast much easier.”

California

Some welcomed new souls into the this world, while bidding farewell to beloved old souls who passed on … “Allah giveth and Allah taketh away.”

In Dr. Amina Wadud’s words:“Bashir Sage Muhsin-Hamilton: my fifth grandchild, was born at home, in northern California. It was my distinct pleasure to be there with his mom, my daughter, Sahar Muhsin. He arrived in the morning of July 6 (so, depending on your first day of the fast, it was Ramadan 8th), weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces.Two days later, my brother passed away.Allah giveth and Allah taketh away.”

Washington, DC

Some spent days and nights planning and providing programs and services to improve the quality of life, and provide safe spaces, for those facing difficult health challenges.

RAHMA‘s (Rahma - Reaching All HIV+ Muslims In America) work in Ramadan is a beautiful example of this.

Khadijah Abdullah, President and Founder of RAHMA

RAHMA’s support group for Muslims living with HIV starts next Thursday, July 24th, 2014. Those who do not live in the area are welcomed to join the group virtually. They can contact Khadijah at Khadijah@haverahma.org for more information.

Khadijah Abdullah, President and Founder of RAHMA

RAHMA continues to work hard throughout Ramadan to organize their August 2014 fundraiser: RAHMA on the Runway. They have a beautiful description for the event: “Modest Fashion For A Merciful Cause.”

National

And there there were some who gave their all to preserve the history of the spiritual ADAM, so that it is not forgotten, so that it is not lost, so that others might learn about it in its proper context and benefit from the lessons it has to offer to humanity.

Dr. Jamillah Karim at a book signing at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam. The day before she had a book signing at the Clarkston Library. At the beginning of Ramadan she gave a talk at Yale University, when the book was first released. She is laboring hard to preserve and share much overlooked and ignored history.(Photo courtesy of Joi Faison, www.forthenur.com.)

This is not an exhaustive sampling, by far.

There are so many more diverse stories to to tell about the spiritual ADAM.

Get to it, scholars!

****

Credits:

*Photos of the Fort Sumter flag, the attack on Fort Sumter, Inauguration Day 1861, and the unfinished Capitol are courtesy of the Library of Congress.

**ADAM (African Diaspora American Muslims) is the name of a research project by Precious Rasheeda Muhammad.

***The Ramadan 2014 photos belong to the individual owners and may not be used, under any circumstances, without permission. The Library of Congress photos are in the public domain.

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Created in 2001, altmuslim has been a crucial introspective voice that promotes critical (and self-critical) analysis and commentary on issues regarding the Muslim world. The name is inspired by the “alt.muslim” Usenet newsgroups from the early days of the Internet, where freewheeling online discussions about the Muslim world were born. In 2012, altmuslim joined Patheos, becoming a part of the Patheos Muslim Portal, which is a destination hub for news, blogs, analysis, features, and commentary concerning Muslims, Islam, and Muslims as part of the American and global dynamic.

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